West Virginia Wesleyan College will receive $2.583 million in Congressionally Directed Spending funds from the United States Department of Education through the office of United States Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), according to a press release from the college. The funding will support critical improvements to heating, ventilation and air cooling (HVAC) systems in facilities across campus.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Senator Capito for her work on behalf of our state and her continued support of West Virginia Wesleyan College,” President James Moore said. “This funding will allow the College to make substantial investments to improve or replace obsolete HVAC systems – some of which are more than 60 years old. These critical investments in WVWC’s future would not be possible without Senator Capito’s support, and will strengthen our campus infrastructure for decades to come.”
The funding will support upgrades or replacements of boilers, chillers and related HVAC equipment for up to 10 campus buildings. Many of the current systems have exceeded their useful life, having operated for 40, 50 and in some cases 60 years. These aging units are increasingly inefficient and costly to maintain. The planned improvements will enhance energy efficiency while improving the health, safety and comfort of students, faculty, staff and visitors throughout the campus community.
“West Virginia Wesleyan plays an important role in educating and preparing the next generation of leaders in our state, and it’s important that their students and faculty can rely on the facilities in which they learn and work,” Capito said. “Replacing these outdated systems will allow the College to invest in its students and strengthen the infrastructure of the campus for future generations. As the chairman of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, I was proud to help secure this allocation that will have many benefits for Wesleyan for years to come.”
WVWC will coordinate with the U.S. Department of Education to access the secured funding and plans to make these upgrades within 12 months of availability.
